when Slade opens it, motions for me to step through.
The room is empty except for Romeo and Hawthorne, standing off to one side. Their heads are bowed together, and even though I can’t hear what they’re saying, the air is heavy with tension.
This room has a conference table and chairs, but there’s also a lounge area with sofas, a coffee table, and fresh flowers. On the coffee table is an open bottle of champagne. Three glasses have been poured, and all three look untouched.
Slade closes the door behind me, and I jump. It’s dark outside, and I can see my reflection clearly in the window. Quickly, I turn away. All I need to do is get my car key, then swing by my apartment for my clothes and for Bandit.
Then… gone. No more worries about kidnappers or lawyers who talk too much or my grandfather finding me. No more problems with Hawthorne slowly unraveling my secrets. No losing my mind and confessing everything to Romeo.
Every mile between me and this place is a buffer of safety and freedom.
Slade pours a glass of champagne and hands it to me. He picks up one of the flutes on the table and clinks it against mine. “Cheers,” he says.
“Cheers,” I mumble. I’m glad he didn’t make a speech about new beginnings or something that would leave me feeling awful.
The fizzy liquid is slightly tart, but I take a few polite sips before setting it down. I have no intention of getting drunk when I need to be on the road soon.
I’m paying so much attention to Romeo and Hawthorne, waiting for them to take a break so I can interrupt and get my key, that I’m not paying attention to Slade. I know he’s next to me, but when he turns my face his way, it catches me off guard.
The only warning I have that he’s about to kiss me is the hungry look in his hazel eyes. It’s like I’m the only woman on the planet who can satisfy him.
Then his mouth crushes sweetly against mine. The taste of champagne on his lips mixes well with the woodsy scent of his aftershave. As the kiss deepens, my resolve softens.
I decide that I can leave tomorrow. It’s late now, anyway, and if I can arrange to stay with one of my bosses, I’m better off waiting. It’ll save me the cost of the hotel room, and I’ll have time to clean out the safe deposit box.
Because this time I’m going to drive very, very far away. It’s the only path forward.
One last night. I deserve this.
Slade’s hand slides from my cheek and down my throat. His fingers tighten around my neck. It doesn’t hurt, but it reminds me of two things.
First, he’s very strong.
Second, because he’s strong, he’s dominant if he chooses to be.
And he does so choose.
My knees get a little weak just thinking about it. I can hand all the decisions over to Slade, to the other two, who I’m sure will join in soon.
One night where I don’t have to think about anything, won’t have to worry. It’s such a relief, such a gift. It’s exactly what I need before striking out on my own again.
Slade ends the kiss, but he keeps his hand where it is as he pulls away to stare me in the eye. “I’d love to tie you up,” he says.
“Not my thing,” I say. A little flutter passes through me, but it means nothing. I’m into the sex because my lovers are hot. Because they know how to use their big cocks. The kinky stuff is part of their deal, but I don’t need it.
It’s probably a good thing I’m leaving because heaven knows what they’d have me doing within a month or two. Tying me up? Thrashing me? Clit clamps? Whips? Chains? Collars?
“You’re blushing,” Slade says. I look away.
As he presses down on my shoulder, forcing me to my knees, I tell myself that the gush of wetness between my legs is only because I’m excited about the sex, that it has nothing to do with the helplessness I’ll experience as the three dominant men take turns fucking me.
Slade unzips his pants, making me shiver, a Pavlovian response. He pulls out his
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